How to Behave Around Parents' Friends

Parents often look to their children as reflections of themselves. So when you meet their friends, it is a good idea to be on your best behavior. While your parents may not reprimand you on the spot if you are disrespectful or rude, you can count on hearing about it later. And the punishment may not fit the crime due their embarrassment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Smile and shake hands with your parents' friends when you are introduced. Respond with a polite, "It's very nice to meet you."
2. Listen more than you talk and make yourself scarce when you can. While today's parents say they don't believe in the old adage that children should be seen and not heard, they really do prefer it that way.
3. Watch older kids' behavior and take your cues from them. They've been practicing adult behavior longer than you and can teach you some things. Ask a teen or a young adult if you are unsure about doing or saying something in front of the adults.
4. Leave your slang and lingo for your own friends. Speak correctly in complete sentences.
5. Dress conservatively. While you don't need to wear clothes that are not in your style, neither do you need to drag out the suggestive clothes that might cause your parents' friends to wonder about your upbringing.
6. Practice your best table manners. Eat with your mouth closed, use a napkin and politely ask for dishes to be passed.

Tips & Warnings

• Never tell your parents' secrets to their friends.
• Do not drink if you are underage.
• Do not swear or tell dirty jokes.
• Don't laugh at them, unless they are laughing too.
• Don't interrupt their conversations.